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I Picked on a Blackhead While on Accutane. Does

I had a bout of obsession over my skin tonight and I picked on a blackhead. I don't usually scar but since I'm on a 20mg daily dose of accutane, will this increase the chances of scarring?

Doctor Answers 2

Scarring While on Accutane

August 13th, 2011
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Wound healing and scarring are usually worsened while on Accutane as well as 6 months to almost a year after an Accutane course has been completed.  Thus, many elective surgeries are delayed for 6-12 months after Accutane.  I recommend not manipulating any acne lesions while on or off Accutane as this may lead to more inflammation and scarring.  If it was a "small blackhead" and not a deep acne cyst that was "picked," it should not lead to any significant scar.  Ask your board certified dermatologist at your monthly follow up visit about this area and they will be able to ascertain if any significant damage was done.

Anthony Perri, MD


Houston Dermatologist

August 13th, 2011

Scarring While on Accutane

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Wound healing and scarring are usually worsened while on Accutane as well as 6 months to almost a year after an Accutane course has been completed.  Thus, many elective surgeries are delayed for 6-12 months after Accutane.  I recommend not manipulating any acne lesions while on or off Accutane as this may lead to more inflammation and scarring.  If it was a "small blackhead" and not a deep acne cyst that was "picked," it should not lead to any significant scar.  Ask your board certified dermatologist at your monthly follow up visit about this area and they will be able to ascertain if any significant damage was done.


Houston Dermatologist

Scarring is usually worse on Accutane

August 14th, 2011
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Scarring is usually worse on Accutane, hence it is important to avoid picking the skin while on medication.

Anatoli Freiman, MD

Anatoli Freiman, MD
Toronto Dermatologist
5.0 out of 5 stars 5 reviews

August 14th, 2011

Scarring is usually worse on Accutane

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Scarring is usually worse on Accutane, hence it is important to avoid picking the skin while on medication.

Anatoli Freiman, MD
Toronto Dermatologist

*Treatment results may vary

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